Relatives and friends

Relatives and friends

Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times

Lauren Sutton, left, an aunt of Mitrice Richardson, and friend Julie Ellerton comfort each other at Malibu Creek State Park. "The assumption right now is that we are searching for evidence, clues, anything that can help solve this mystery," said Sheriff's Department spokesman Steve Whitmore. "It's not a question of whether she's alive; it's about looking for clues."

Lauren Sutton, left, an aunt of Mitrice Richardson, and friend Julie Ellerton comfort each other at Malibu Creek State Park. "The assumption right now is that we are searching for evidence, clues, anything that can help solve this mystery," said Sheriff's Department spokesman Steve Whitmore. "It's not a question of whether she's alive; it's about looking for clues." (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Lauren Sutton, left, an aunt of Mitrice Richardson, and friend Julie Ellerton comfort each other at Malibu Creek State Park. "The assumption right now is that we are searching for evidence, clues, anything that can help solve this mystery," said Sheriff's Department spokesman Steve Whitmore. "It's not a question of whether she's alive; it's about looking for clues."